tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65054839235028846912024-03-14T10:29:53.624+08:00All About Militaryadminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-62660581745982523142011-03-06T14:47:00.002+08:002011-03-06T14:52:36.378+08:00PAK FA Update : Second PAK FA Prototype took Test Flight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ownFyi1roHA/TXMtzDvG4uI/AAAAAAAAAko/bKcBfplW9ks/s1600/2nd+pakfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ownFyi1roHA/TXMtzDvG4uI/AAAAAAAAAko/bKcBfplW9ks/s400/2nd+pakfa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
On 3 March 2011 the first flight of the 2nd prototype of the fifth generation aviation complex (PAK FA) took place in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The plane was piloted by distinguished test pilot of the Russian Federation Sergey Bogdan. The aircraft spent in the air 44 minutes and landed on the factory airfield runway. The flight was successful, in full accordance with the flight plan.<b> Stability of the aircraft test was conducted during the flight as well as evaluation of the power plant systems’ performance. The aircraft proved itself well in all phases of the planned flight program.</b><br />
<br />
Tests on the PAK FA program are in accordance with the approved program. Currently, a set of preliminary ground and flight operations has been completed involving all three prototypes, which underwent bench strength tests, ground tests of fuel systems and other work.<br />
<br />
The first flight of the PAK FA took place on January 29, 2010 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Acceptance tests of the prototype were completed at the end of March 2010. On April 8, 2010 the first flight model of the fighter jet and a comprehensive ground stand for working out the equipment and systems to provide flight test program, were delivered to the flying test center of the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Zhukovsky near Moscow.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470181664&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Upon completion of the required volume of preliminary tests on the stands of systems and components, including static strength tests of the static prototype, ground tests of the aircraft stand and the flight model, on April 29, 2010 the aircraft had started flight tests in accordance with the preliminary tests program. The first flight model made 36 sorties in accordance with the flight tests program.<br />
<br />
Compared to the previous generation fighters, the PAK FA features a number of unique capabilities, including the functions of a strike aircraft and fighter. The 5th generation aircraft is fitted with essentially new avionics integrating the function of “an electronic pilot” and with an advanced phased antenna array radar. This considerably reduces the pilot fatigue, enabling him to concentrate on performance of a tactical mission.<br />
<br />
The new aircraft’s onboard equipment makes it possible to exchange information in the real time mode both with on-land control stations and with aviation group aircraft. The use of composite materials and innovative technologies, and the aerodynamic streamlining ensure unprecedented radar, optic and infrared stealthiness. This significantly enhances the operational capability against aerial and ground targets in all weathers, day and night.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-60090003788227569522011-01-06T22:50:00.000+08:002011-01-06T22:50:28.962+08:00China Completes Stealth Fighter PrototypeChina appears to have completed a prototype of its first stealth fighter, highlighting Beijing's military modernisation drive, but experts said Wednesday the jet will not be operational for years to come.<br />
<br />
Photographs published online and Chinese military sources cited by the Japanese media indicate a test model of the J-20 fighter has been finished, with taxi tests carried out last week at an airfield in southwestern China.<br />
<br />
The news comes just days before a visit to Beijing by US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who will seek to mend military ties cut off a year ago by China when Washington sold billions of dollars in arms to its rival Taiwan.<br />
<br />
<b>Experts say the J-20 will eventually rival the US Air Force's F-22, the world's only fully operational next-generation stealth fighter jet -- but not any time soon.</b><br />
<br />
<b>The J-20 "will become fully competitive with the F-22, in capability and perhaps in numbers, around the end of this decade," Rick Fisher, an expert on the Chinese military at the International Assessment and Strategy Centre, a US think tank, told AFP.</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TSXV1c0QKJI/AAAAAAAAAkc/yAM6iTZGGDo/s1600/china+stealth+fighter+J20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TSXV1c0QKJI/AAAAAAAAAkc/yAM6iTZGGDo/s400/china+stealth+fighter+J20.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Dennis Blasko, an expert on the People's Liberation Army -- the world's largest military force -- said the timeline for development of the jet was "probably considerably longer than what most outside observers would estimate".<br />
<br />
China plans to begin test flights of the J-20 as soon as this month, with plans to deploy the jet as early as 2017, Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting Chinese military sources.<br />
<br />
The fighter will be equipped with large missiles and could reach the island of Guam, a US territory in the western Pacific, with aerial refuelling, although it would take 10 to 15 more years to develop technology on a par with that of the US F-22, it said.<br />
<br />
In late 2009, the deputy head of China's air force, General He Weirong, said the country's stealth fighter would be operational sometime between 2017 and 2019, reports said.<br />
<br />
Officials at China's defence ministry declined immediate comment when contacted by AFP about the reports.<br />
Western military experts expressed doubts over how far the PLA had progressed with the J-20 programme.<br />
<br />
"I have yet to see proof of a test flight. And testing for a prototype can take quite some time before production begins," Blasko said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TSXV9LrOnZI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ZnQl1hnMT88/s1600/J20+china+stealth+fighter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TSXV9LrOnZI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ZnQl1hnMT88/s400/J20+china+stealth+fighter.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Other than the United States and China, only a handful of countries are working on so-called next-generation stealth fighters.<br />
<br />
In January 2010, Russia unveiled a new aircraft touted as a rival to the US jet, developed by Sukhoi.<br />
<br />
According to Fisher, Japan has a homegrown programme, while India is cooperating with Russia.<br />
<br />
The news about the J-20 comes at a key moment in Sino-US relations, with Gates due in Beijing on Sunday and Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit Washington later this month.<br />
<br />
US military officials and strategists see Beijing as a potential threat to Washington's once unrivalled dominance of the Pacific. Ahead of the visit by Gates, contacts had only resumed at a technical level.<br />
<br />
<b>Fisher indeed predicted that the J-20 could become a "serious threat to US air superiority in Asia before the end of the decade".</b><br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0044A546M&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>China's massive annual military spending also has aroused concern among its neighbours. Japan last month labelled Beijing's military build-up a global "concern", citing its increased assertiveness in the East and South China Seas.<br />
<br />
China has repeatedly insisted its military growth does not pose any threat.<br />
<br />
Defence Minister Liang Guanglie said last week that China was currently beefing up its navy, air force and strategic missile forces, while decreasing its ground forces.<br />
<br />
According to defence industry publication Aviation Week, the J-20 is larger than observers expected -- suggesting a long-range capacity and the ability to carry heavy weapons loads.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-22845875498965296282010-12-17T18:14:00.001+08:002010-12-17T18:14:47.791+08:00North Korea Says War with South would Go NuclearNorth Korea warned that another war with South Korea would involve nuclear weapons, as diplomatic efforts continued to ease high tensions over its deadly artillery attack and atomic ambitions.<br />
<br />
Uriminzokkiri, the official website of the communist state, said in a commentary seen Friday that war on the Korean Peninsula is only a matter of time.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1400064163&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>"Because of the South Koreans' reckless war policies, it is not about war or peace on the Korean peninsula but when the war will break out," the website said.<br />
<br />
"If war breaks out, it will lead to nuclear warfare and not be limited to the Korean peninsula," it said in a posting dated Thursday.<br />
<br />
In a separate commentary, ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun Friday described the peninsula as the world's most dangerous place.<br />
<br />
It reiterated calls for a formal peace treaty with Washington and the withdrawal of 28,500 US troops from South Korea.<br />
<br />
"The Korean peninsula remains a region fraught with the greatest danger of war in the world," the paper said. "This is entirely attributable to the US pursuance of the policy of aggression against the DPRK (North Korea)."<br />
<br />
The North frequently claims nuclear war is imminent. But military tensions have risen sharply since it bombarded a South Korean border island on November 23, killing two marines and two civilians.<br />
<br />
Pyongyang's disclosure last month of an apparently working uranium enrichment plant -- a potential new source of bomb-making material -- also heightened regional security fears.<br />
<br />
Prominent US politician Bill Richardson is paying a private visit to Pyongyang to try to ease tensions.<br />
<br />
The US envoy to stalled talks on the North's nuclear disarmament, Sung Kim, was to hold talks in Seoul later Friday with his South Korean counterpart Wi Sung-Lac.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-87607918659951787922010-11-28T12:51:00.000+08:002010-11-28T12:51:22.738+08:00North Korea Readies Missiles as Military Drill Begins<b>North Korea has placed surface-to-surface missiles on launch pads in the Yellow Sea, </b>Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday, as the United States and South Korea began joint military exercises that have upset neighbor China.<br />
<br />
<b>The agency also said North Korea had moved surface-to-air missiles to frontline areas,</b> days after it shelled a tiny South Korean island killing four people. The North's official KCNA news agency warned of retaliatory action if its territory is violated.<br />
<br />
"We will deliver a brutal military blow on any provocation which violates our territorial waters," KCNA said.<br />
Officials from South Korea's Defense Ministry and the joint chiefs said they could not comment on the Yonhap report. "It is impossible to confirm the report as it is classified as military secret," an official said.<br />
<br />
The exercises, in waters far south of the disputed maritime boundary, are being held in the face of opposition by China and threats of "consequences" from North Korea.<br />
<br />
The chairman of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly will visit China from Tuesday, the official Xinhua news agency said, while a senior Chinese diplomat was in Seoul for talks.<br />
<br />
Washington says the drill is intended as a deterrent after the worst assault on South Korea since the end of the Korean War in 1953.<br />
<br />
Officials and journalists on the island, Yeonpyeong, were briefly evacuated to bunkers on Sunday, a Reuters witness said. The order was later withdrawn.<br />
<br />
The nuclear-powered carrier USS George Washington, which carries 75 warplanes and has a crew of over 6,000, has joined the exercises and will be accompanied by at least four other U.S. warships, an official from U.S. Forces Korea (USKF) told Reuters.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307590615&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>South Korea has deployed three destroyers, frigates and anti-submarine aircraft, Yonhap news agency reported, adding the exercises were being held far south of the disputed area where the artillery firing took place on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
"The drills have started and of course the carrier joined the exercises. But I cannot give any further details," said the USKF official, asking not to be identified.<br />
<br />
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has told ministers and aides to be ready for further "provocation" by North Korea during the military show of force.<br />
<br />
South Korea's marine commander on Saturday vowed "thousand-fold" revenge for the North Korean attack that killed two servicemen and two civilians.<br />
<br />
North Korea said that if there had been civilian deaths, they were "very regrettable," but that South Korea should be blamed for using a human shield.<br />
<br />
It also said the United States should be blamed for "orchestrating" the whole sequence of events to justify sending an aircraft carrier to join the maritime maneuvers.<br />
<br />
Regional giant China -- under pressure from other powers to rein in North Korea -- has said it is determined to prevent an escalation of the violence. But it warned against military acts near its coast.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-8548738639293566582010-11-26T23:10:00.001+08:002010-11-26T23:10:45.927+08:00PAK FA Update : Second Prototype Fifth-generation Fighter to Fly Before Year End<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1607101084&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Flight trials of the second prototype of Sukhoi's fifth-generation T-50 fighter aircraft are due before the end of the year, Sukhoi holding CEO Mikhail Pogosyan said on Monday.<br />
<br />
The first prototype of the aircraft made its maiden flight in late January and has conducted 40 in total, Pogosyan said.<br />
<br />
"The flight trial program is moving ahead faster than we expected," Pogosyan said.<br />
<br />
He said talks with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on the joint development of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft are due to conclude before the end of the year.<br />
<br />
Earlier reports said an agreement would be signed in December.<br />
<br />
The new warplane is expected to enter service with the Russian Air Force in 2015.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-61973975409611213432010-11-26T23:06:00.000+08:002010-11-26T23:06:17.261+08:00North Korea Warns Region is on Brink of WarNorth Korea warned Friday that U.S.-South Korean plans for military maneuvers put the peninsula on the brink of war, and appeared to launch its own artillery drills within sight of an island it showered with a deadly barrage this week.<br />
<br />
The fresh artillery blasts were especially defiant because they came as the U.S. commander in South Korea, Gen. Walter Sharp, toured the South Korean island to survey damage from Tuesday's hail of North Korean artillery fire that killed four people.<br />
<br />
None of the latest rounds hit the South's territory, and U.S. military officials said Sharp did not even hear the concussions, though residents on other parts of the island panicked and ran back to the air raid shelters where they huddled earlier in the week as white smoke rose from North Korean territory.<br />
<br />
Tensions have soared between the Koreas since the North's strike Tuesday destroyed large parts of this island, killing two civilians as well as two marines in a major escalation of their sporadic skirmishes along the sea border.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00400OS4A&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The attack — eight months after a torpedo sank a South Korean warship further west, killing 46 sailors — has also laid bare weaknesses in South Korea's defense 60 years after the Korean War. The skirmish forced South Korea's beleaguered defense minister to resign Thursday, and President Lee Myung-bak on Friday named a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the post.<br />
<br />
The heightened animosity between the Koreas is taking place as the North undergoes a delicate transition of power from leader Kim Jong Il to his young, inexperienced son Kim Jong Un, who is in his late 20s and is expected to eventually succeed his ailing father.<br />
<br />
Washington and Seoul have pressed China to use its influence on Pyongyang to ease tensions amid worries of all-out war, and a dispatch from Chinese state media on Friday — saying Beijing's foreign minister had met with the North Korean ambassador — appeared to be an effort to trumpet China's role as a responsible actor and placate the U.S. and the South.<br />
<br />
The U.S., meanwhile, is preparing to send a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to South Korean waters for joint military drills in the Yellow Sea starting Sunday.<br />
<br />
The North, which sees the drills as a major military provocation, unleashed its anger over the planned exercises in a dispatch earlier Friday.<br />
<br />
"The situation on the Korean peninsula is inching closer to the brink of war," the report in the North's official Korean Central News Agency said.<br />
<br />
<b>A North Korean official boasted that Pyongyang's military "precisely aimed and hit the enemy artillery base" as punishment for South Korean military drills — a reference to Tuesday's attack — and warned of another "shower of dreadful fire," KCNA reported in a separate dispatch.</b><br />
<br />
China also expressed concern over any war games in waters within its exclusive economic zone, though the statement on the Foreign Ministry website didn't mention the drills starting Sunday. That zone includes areas south of Yeonpyeong cited for possible maneuvers, though the exact location of the drills is not known.<br />
<br />
China strongly protested an earlier round of drills in the region but has been largely mute over the upcoming exercises. Beijing could be withholding direct criticism to avoid roiling ties with South Korea and the U.S. and to register its displeasure with ally North Korea.<br />
<br />
Washington keeps more than 28,000 troops in South Korea to protect its ally from aggression — a legacy of the Korean War that is a sore point for North Korea, which cites the U.S. presence as the main reason behind its need for nuclear weapons.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-8272900538580144602010-11-02T23:41:00.002+08:002010-11-02T23:42:38.723+08:00Russia Conducts Routine Test of Topol Ballistic Missile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TNAwfYPYqVI/AAAAAAAAAkU/ACguPBtpTsg/s1600/topol+m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TNAwfYPYqVI/AAAAAAAAAkU/ACguPBtpTsg/s400/topol+m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Russia successfully launched a Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Thursday to test its operational capability, a spokesman for Russia's Space Forces said.<br />
<br />
The RS-12M Topol missile was launched from the Plesetsk space center in northern Russia and hit its designated target on the Kura test range in Russia's Far East Kamchatka region, Lt. Col. Alexei Zolotukhin said.<br />
<br />
The missile, which was in active service from 1987 until 2007, was deployed with the 54th Strategic Missile Division near the town of Teikovo, about 150 miles (240 km) northeast of Moscow.<br />
<br />
Zolotukhin said this test launch had allowed Russia to extend the service life of Topol missiles to 23 years (initially they were only projected to last for 10 years.)<br />
<br />
The RS-12M Topol (SS-25 Sickle) is a single-warhead intercontinental ballistic missile, approximately the same size and shape as the U.S. Minuteman ICBM. The first Topol missiles were put into service in 1985.<br />
<br />
The missile has a maximum range of 10,000 km (6,125 miles) and can carry a nuclear warhead with a yield of 550 kilotons.<br />
<br />
Although the service life of the SS-25 is being periodically extended, the missile will be progressively retired over the next decade and replaced by mobile Topol-M (SS-27 Stalin) missile systems.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-10300969453411364382010-10-29T19:40:00.000+08:002010-10-29T19:40:02.014+08:00Russia Modernizes Fleet of A-50M AWACS Planes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMqyhHS1uGI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/j0h-cuzKuN4/s1600/A-50M+AWACS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMqyhHS1uGI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/j0h-cuzKuN4/s400/A-50M+AWACS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Russia has started official testing of its modernized A-50M Mainstay AWACS aircraft for the country's Air Force, a Russian electronics company said Wednesday.<br />
<br />
The A-50 Mainstay is a Russian airborne warning and control system aircraft based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport plane. Russia adopted the aircraft in 1984, and the Air Force currently has 16-20 A-50 planes, according to various reports.<br />
<br />
"The A-50M is the most complex aircraft and we have successfully modernized it," said Vladimir Verba, general director of the Vega Radio Engineering Corp. "The aircraft is undergoing official tests at present and has shown excellent performance so far."<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0013BKDO8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The modernization of the A-50M focused on the replacement of outdated analogue equipment with digital electronics systems.<br />
<br />
"We have greatly improved the processing of the information and significantly decreased the processing time," Verba told RIA Novosti.<br />
<br />
In many aspects, the A-50 is compared to the E-3 Sentry of the U.S. Air Force. The A-50 can detect targets up to 400 km (250 miles) away.<br />
<br />
The aircraft is fitted with an aerial refueling system and electronic warfare equipment.<br />
<br />
Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, said Monday that Russian companies would provide after-sale services for three A-50EI AEW aircraft that have been sold to India. The export version is fitted with the Israeli-made Phalcon radar system.<br />
<br />
The first aircraft was scheduled to arrive in 2007-08 but delivery has been delayed.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-81876790459614214292010-10-27T19:07:00.000+08:002010-10-27T19:07:22.568+08:00Selex Galileo to Protect Malaysia's Hawk fleet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMgHxqKyZeI/AAAAAAAAAkM/Zcnb99B-OKk/s1600/selex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMgHxqKyZeI/AAAAAAAAAkM/Zcnb99B-OKk/s400/selex.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Selex Galileo expects to receive a contract to equip the Royal Malaysian Air Force's BAE Systems Hawk advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft with a new radar warning receiver (RWR) system.<br />
<br />
Named Seer, the self-protection equipment has been designed as a drop-in replacement for BAE's Sky Guardian 200 RWR system, previously installed on platforms including the Hawk.<br />
<br />
Selex supported recent flight trials of the new equipment with a Malaysian Hawk. "The RWR met all of the jointly agreed objectives, with Seer being able to detect radars at ranges that were an order of magnitude greater than those achieved by older-generation systems," it says.<br />
<br />
Malaysia operates 14 single-seat Hawk 208s and six Hawk 108 trainers delivered between 1994 and 1995, as listed in Flightglobal's MiliCAS database.<br />
<br />
Comprising four wide band spiral antennas, two digital detectors, a signal processor and a cockpit display, Seer is "capable of identifying and prioritising complex RF signals in a hostile threat environment", Selex says.<br />
<br />
<br />
There are customers out there who are worried about radar threats," says Steve Roberts, Selex Galileo's vice-president capability for electronic warfare systems. "We are getting a lot of interest from those countries."<br />
<br />
Latin America and the Middle East are considered to be other potential markets for the new equipment.<br />
<br />
Roberts says the company will soon perform a similar flight trial with Seer using an Aero Vodochody L-159 - a type in use with the Czech air force. The equipment is also suitable as an upgrade for the Northrop F-5 fighter, or for use with new-build aircraft and helicopters, he says. A compact version is also to be offered to equip unmanned air vehicles.<br />
<br />
Selex has also developed a new electronic support measures system dubbed Sage to equip platforms ranging in size from tactical UAVs to large transport and surveillance aircraft. The company's first proposed installation would give a Lockheed Martin C-130 tactical transport a signals analysis and geo-location function.<br />
<br />
The company is targeting applications such as border surveillance and exclusive economic zone monitoring for Sage, and has already held discussions with its Finmeccanica sister companies about its potential inclusion in future maritime patrol aircraft offerings.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/22/348841/selex-galileo-to-protect-malaysias-hawk-fleet.html">www.flightglobal.com</a>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-19464497513273332622010-10-23T10:22:00.000+08:002010-10-23T10:22:01.888+08:00Indonesia Set to Continue Buying Arms from Russia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMJGmcti8bI/AAAAAAAAAkI/R1LVEiF5o6A/s1600/indorussia+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TMJGmcti8bI/AAAAAAAAAkI/R1LVEiF5o6A/s400/indorussia+1.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><br />
Indonesia will continue its military-technical cooperation with Russia, the country's defense minister said on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Purnomo Yusgiantoro spoke after an official transfer of three Russian-made Mi-35P combat helicopters to Indonesia.<br />
<br />
"We will continue our military-technical cooperation with Russia," the minister said, noting the high quality and reliability of Russian-made military equipment.<br />
<br />
With the addition of the three Mi-35s, the fleet of Russian-made helicopters in service with the Indonesian Armed Forces now comprises five Mi-35 attack helicopters and six Mi-17V5 multipurpose helicopters.<br />
<br />
Under a $300 million contract, signed in 2007, Russia recently completed the delivery of three Su-30MK2 and three Su-27SKM fighters to Jakarta in addition to two Su-27SK and two Su-30MK fighters purchased in 2003.<br />
<br />
"Our current priority is to create a full-size squadron of Su fighter jets comprising 16 aircraft," Yusgiantoro said.<br />
<br />
There are several other prospective areas of military-technical cooperation both countries were eager to pursue, Yusgiantoro said, without elaborating.<br />
<br />
According to media reports, Russia and South Korea are competing in the second round of a tender for the supply of two submarines to Indonesia.<br />
<br />
Jakarta became one of Russia's main arms customers in 1999 when the United States tightened an embargo on arms sales to the country over alleged human rights violations.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-29582690265694804902010-10-18T09:56:00.000+08:002010-10-18T09:56:31.541+08:00China Practices Intercepting U.S. Stealth FightersThe Chinese People's Liberation Army recently staged an intercept exercise targeting the U.S.' latest stealth fighter jet, the F-22 Raptor, Hong Kong's Apple Daily reported Thursday.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B001FA2354&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Japanese media on Oct. 3 reported that the Japanese and U.S. militaries will carry out a joint exercise to practice recapturing the disputed Senkaku or Diaoyutai Islands in November, in case the Chinese capture them in a surprise attack. It said the U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington and F-22 Raptors will take part in the exercise.<br />
<br />
On Oct. 8, five days after the report, a Chinese Air Force brigade in the Chengdu military district practiced firing a Hong Qi No. 9 missile, China's newest ground-to-air missile, to hit a target assumed to be an F-22, the Apple Daily said.<br />
<br />
The Science and Technology Daily, published in Beijing, wrote a story about the drill. "Right after the radar sent the information on the location of the stealth fighter to the missile launch team, the Hong Qi No. 9 missile flew into the clouds and an explosion was heard only 40 seconds later. There was loud applause for the success of the exercise," it said.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-28024549760561164242010-10-17T22:36:00.000+08:002010-10-17T22:36:56.336+08:00Royal Navy’s Latest Destroyer is Launched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TLsJ3K9K_fI/AAAAAAAAAkE/I7uyZtVYbmg/s1600/Royal+Navy+Type+45+destroyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TLsJ3K9K_fI/AAAAAAAAAkE/I7uyZtVYbmg/s400/Royal+Navy+Type+45+destroyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The sixth and last of the Royal Navy’s powerful new Type 45 Destroyers was launched today on the Clyde.<br />
The 7,500 tonne warship HMS Duncan has been built by BAE Systems using 2,800 tonnes of steel - more than used in Blackpool Tower. This equates to 100,000 square metres and is covered with 40 tonnes of paint.<br />
<br />
Marie Ibbotson, wife of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet Vice Admiral Richard Ibbotson, sent the Type 45 down the slipway on the anniversary of the Royal Navy’s significant victory over the Dutch fleet in 1797 which was led by Admiral Adam Duncan after whom the ship is named.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000051ZOA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>On his first visit to the Clyde as Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Minister, Peter Luff, watched the launch and met members of the shipyard workforce. He said :<br />
“The launch of HMS Duncan is the culmination of a huge effort by workers here on the Clyde, across the country throughout the supply chain, and in the MOD, completing this class of potent warfighters of which everyone involved can be very proud.<br />
<br />
“Following on from HMS Daring being declared in service and the successful first firing of the Sea Viper missile system, this is another significant milestone in the delivery of a truly world-class air defence capability to the Royal Navy.”<br />
<br />
Equipped with the Sea Viper missile system, the Type 45 will be able to engage multiple airborne or sea skimming targets from any direction at supersonic speed, helping her to provide unrivalled protection to the fleet from the most sophisticated aircraft or missiles.<br />
<br />
Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Trevor Soar said:<br />
“The Type 45 is world class. These ships are as versatile as they are powerful. Providing flexible global reach they will deliver broad utility, common to maritime forces, and give the UK military, diplomatic and political options, with their ability to exert effect on land from the sea. This ranges from deterrence and conflict prevention right up to high intensity war fighting and all points between.<br />
<br />
“Naturally her war-fighting capability includes the ability to engage hostile forces using the Sea Viper missile system, her gun or other onboard weapon systems, while her Ship’s Company provide anything from boarding parties that deter and disrupt pirates, to landing ashore for the provision of humanitarian disaster relief. HMS Duncan can also deploy up to 60 Royal Marines Commandos and their equipment and operate a range of helicopters from her flight deck. These are fantastic ships and I look forward to HMS Duncan joining the Fleet.”<br />
<br />
Duncan is affiliated to Dundee and Belfast. She completes the Class of six Type 45 warships along with Daring, Dauntless, Diamond, Dragon and Defender. She is expected to enter service in 2014.<br />
Background Information<br />
<br />
Duncan is named after Viscount Adam Duncan of Camperdown. Her ship’s motto is ‘Secundis dubusque rectus’ (Upright in prosperity and peril). Construction began on the ship early in 2007.<br />
<br />
The Type 45s are the largest and most powerful destroyers ever ordered for the Royal Navy. They have a range of around 7,000 nautical miles which equates to travelling to New York and back without refuelling. Each gas turbine on the ship produces about 24 Megawatts of power.<br />
<br />
<b>Type 45 Programme Progress</b><br />
<br />
Ship 1 - HMS Daring was declared in service with the Royal Navy in July 2009.<br />
Ship 2 – HMS Dauntless was Commissioned into the Royal Navy in June 2009. Sea Viper was fired from HMS Dauntless on 29 September in the first firing of the missile from a Type 45 platform.<br />
Ship 3 – HMS Diamond was accepted off contract at Portsmouth Naval Base in September.<br />
Ship 4 – Dragon will shortly commence her first set of Sea Trials.<br />
Ship 5 – Defender was launched on the Clyde in October 09 and is currently being fitted out on the Clyde.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-34752499201127095262010-10-17T22:30:00.000+08:002010-10-17T22:30:30.238+08:00Russia Releases Details on Defense Spending through 2013Russian has released new defense spending details. The State Duma Defense Committee has announced that the nation's defense spending, including research and development (R&D) spending, will total $16.3 billion (RUB487 billion) in 2010, $19.2 billion (RUB574 billion) in 2011, $24.3 billion (RUB726 billion) in 2012, and $38.8 billion (RUB1.16 trillion) in 2013.<br />
<br />
While total defense spending will increase, the amount allocated for R&D will drop from the current 2010 level of 22 percent to 16 percent by 2013. The modernization of weaponry will instead receive a significant portion of total spending, with 13 percent designated for the 2010 fiscal year, 15 percent for 2011 and 2012, and 14 percent for 2013.<br />
<br />
The top procurement priorities are the following:<br />
<br />
RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles,<br />
Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missiles,<br />
Su-24 fighters,<br />
Su-35 long-range fighters, and<br />
Submarines, corvettes, frigates, and battlefield command-and-control systems.<br />
<br />
In September, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said that the government intends to spend RUB19 trillion ($613 billion) over the next decade to modernize the armed forces.<br />
<br />
The current plan for 2010-2013 only represents a small portion (16%) of that amount, just over RUB2.9 trillion ($98.6 billion).adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-34483295733641673782010-10-17T22:29:00.000+08:002010-10-17T22:29:10.309+08:00Sukhoi Assembles First Production Su-35s<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TLsIJob9ykI/AAAAAAAAAkA/1f5TR53SLcY/s1600/Su35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TLsIJob9ykI/AAAAAAAAAkA/1f5TR53SLcY/s400/Su35.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />
Sukhoi Company [has] completed general units’ assembly of the first production Su-35S fighter. The state contract with the Russian Defense Ministry on the delivery of 48 multifunctional super maneuverable Su-35 fighter jets was signed at the 2009 MAKS air show.<br />
<br />
The works on the contract started in autumn 2009 at the KnAAPO facility of the Sukhoi holding in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.<br />
<br />
At the present time the first production Su-35S is at the final assembly shop of the KnAAPO. The preparations are underway for its flight testing. The first production Su-35S will be delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense by the end of the year.<br />
<br />
Su-35 is also intended for export sales. Sukhoi is holding talks with customers in South-East Asia, the Middle East and South America anxious to re-arm their air forces on Su-35 sales.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0031ESWP2&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The Su-35 is a thoroughly upgraded super-maneuverable fighter of the 4++ generation. It employs technologies of the fifth generation that assure its superiority over similar class fighters. The special features of the aircraft include a new avionics suite based on digital information control system integrating onboard systems, a new radar with a phased antenna array having a long aerial target detection range with an increased number of simultaneously tracked and engaged targets (30 aerial targets tracked and 8 engaged plus the tracking of 4 and engagement of 2 ground targets), and new enhanced vectored thrust engines.<br />
<br />
The Su-35 has a diverse suite of long-, medium- and short-range weapons. It can carry guided aerial munitions for anti-radar and anti-ship actions as well as general purpose munitions, and guided and unguided aerial bombs. The radar signature of the fighter has been reduced by several times as compared to that of the fourth-generation aircraft by coating the cockpit with electro-conducting compounds, applying radio absorption coats and reducing the number of protruding sensors.<br />
<br />
The service life of the aircraft is 6,000 hours flight hours; the life cycle is 30 years of operation. The assigned service life of vectored thrust engines is 4,000 hours.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-85836192659222460892010-10-05T18:25:00.001+08:002010-10-05T18:27:22.435+08:00Indian Air Force Plans to Induct 200-250 PAK FA Fifth Generation Fighter AircraftIndia today said it was looking to induct around 200-250 fight generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), which are being co-developed with Russia.<br />
<br />
"We are looking for around 200-250 aircraft," Air Chief Marshal PV Naik told reporters at a press conference for the 78th anniversary of the IAF to be celebrated on the Air Force Day on October 8.<br />
<br />
He said the aircraft weighing over 30 tonnes are expected to start joining the force by 2017.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002N2AVZC&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Commenting on the capabilities of the most advanced fighter aircraft, Naik said, "It would be a swing-role fighter with highly advanced avionics, giving 360 degree situational awareness, stealth to increase survivability and smart weapons."<br />
<br />
He added that the aircraft would be capable of covering long ranges without air to air refuelling and will have the super-cruise features along with the highly advanced mission computers.<br />
<br />
Replying to a query, Naik said in the near future, the IAF fighter fleet would comprise mainly four types of aircraft including the FGFA, Sukhoi-30MKIs, the yet to be procured M-MRCA and the under-development Light Combat Aircraft.<br />
<br />
At present, the IAF has seven different types of aircraft in its fighter fleet including the MiGs 21, 23, 27 and 29, Jaguars, Mirage-2000 and the Su-30 MKI.<br />
<br />
Asked if the IAF would want to further reduce the variety of fighters with it, Naik said, "the ideal situation would be that I only have one type of aircraft but the world is not ideal".<br />
<br />
To a query on whether the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) was looking to procure more assets, the IAF chief said, "definitely we will need approval for more assets because the present strength is for meeting our present tasks and for additional tasks, we will require more".<br />
<br />
Asked if the selection of the American GE-414 engine for the LCA Mk II 'Tejas' fighter would help two of the aircraft flying with the same engine in the multi-role combat aircraft deal, Naik said, "I don't think so, they are not connected at all".adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-54925431255493791502010-10-04T21:08:00.001+08:002010-10-04T21:10:14.977+08:00Japan is Looking to Buy Three Global Hawk UAVsThe Defense Ministry is looking to buy three Global Hawk reconnaissance aircraft from the United States to deal with China's militarization and North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Self-Defense Force and ministry sources said Sunday.<br />
<br />
The ministry hopes to insert the plan for buying the unmanned high-altitude aircraft into its new Mid-Term Defense Program for fiscal 2011-2015. The program will be based on a new National Defense Program Outline the government is poised to adopt at the end of this year.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002Y27P3M&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Equipped with sophisticated cameras and highly sensitive communications-receiving abilities, the Global Hawk can fly at an altitude of roughly 18,000 meters — about twice as high as commercial aircraft can — for just over 30 hours on autopilot.<br />
<br />
The data it gathers can be sent almost simultaneously to command facilities on the ground. Its ability to fly at high altitudes also allows it to peer more deeply into the territory of such prickly adversaries as North Korea and China.<br />
<br />
The plan is expected to get a boost from the diplomatic friction triggered last month when a Chinese trawler and Japan Coast Guard cutters bumped each other near disputed islands in the East China Sea, the sources said.<br />
<br />
The Global Hawk costs about $50 million (roughly ¥4.15 billion), including equipment, so the sum for three aircraft would come to more than ¥12 billion. The ministry estimates it would cost tens of billions of yen more to build ground facilities to control the drones, the sources said.<br />
<br />
The ministry has been researching unmanned surveillance aircraft since fiscal 2003 and was even thinking of producing a Japan-made aircraft. Given the Global Hawk's advantages in performance and costs, however, the ministry is now looking to import them, the sources said.<br />
<br />
The U.S. government has been sounding out Japan about acquisition possibilities through multiple channels, they said.<br />
<br />
Together with its ability to fly longer than its manned counterparts, the Global Hawk is likely to boost Japan's ability to gather intelligence and monitor its neighbors. The ministry hopes to use the aircraft, which does not have offensive capability, to help defend remote islands and counter suspicious ships in or near Japanese waters. It is also looking at the possibility of using them as part of its missile defense shield, the sources said.<br />
<br />
The ministry has yet to decide which section should be put in charge of unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, partly because officials are concerned that money will be cut from existing programs if the new program comes under their authority, they said.<br />
<br />
The midterm defense buildup plan says, that from the standpoint of strengthening Japan's intelligence-gathering capabilities, the ministry will take "necessary measures after considering" acquiring unmanned reconnaissance aircraft.<br />
<br />
If the ministry has trouble sorting out which section will be in charge, there is a possibility that any plans for unmanned reconnaissance aircraft will remain hazy in the new midterm defense buildup plan, the sources said.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-2694117714238242042010-10-01T21:38:00.000+08:002010-10-01T21:38:51.663+08:00Singapore's Apache AH-64 Helicopter Crash-Lands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TKXkXl0rhvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/SMVSMudbqf8/s1600/singapore+apache+AH64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TKXkXl0rhvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/SMVSMudbqf8/s400/singapore+apache+AH64.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
An Apache helicopter from Singapore's air force crash-landed in an open field in a residential district today but no-one was injured, the defense ministry said.<br />
<br />
"A Republic of Singapore Air Force Apache AH-64 helicopter has made an emergency landing... There has been no damage to civilian property or injury to personnel reported," the defense ministry said in a statement.<br />
<br />
An AFP photographer at the site said the tail of the light attack helicopter had broken off from its main body and was lying about 70 meters (yards) away.<br />
<br />
About a dozen air force engineers clad in black uniforms were sifting through the debris and a crane stood by to clear the rubble, he added.<br />
<br />
A witness told the Straits Times newspaper the helicopter had circled in the air and descended rapidly before crash-landing on the barren field.<br />
<br />
The Apache AH-64, built by U.S. aviation giant Boeing, is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter, and is used by the U.S., Israeli and Japanese militaries, among others.<br />
<br />
Singapore has one of Asia's most advanced armed forces, and regularly takes part in military exercises with regional countries as well as the U.S. and China.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-74705657450058210532010-09-27T23:22:00.000+08:002010-09-27T23:22:43.401+08:00Global Hawk UAV Arrives in Guam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TKC2YUwPKaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/X-FSntJb4RA/s1600/Global+Hawk_Air+Attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TKC2YUwPKaI/AAAAAAAAAj4/X-FSntJb4RA/s400/Global+Hawk_Air+Attack.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
Airmen here celebrated the arrival of the RQ-4 Global Hawk to Guam during a ceremony Sept. 20.<br />
<br />
The Global Hawk brings significant capabilities to the Pacific theater, which will benefit the 36th Wing, Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Command, and regional partners, said Gen. Gary North, the PACAF commander.<br />
<br />
"Having an (intelligence, surveillence and reconnaissance) capability within the Pacific greatly enhances Air Force operational intelligence capabilities to meet mission requirements," General North said. "In addition, the Global Hawk will enhance the U.S. and its partners' ability to effectively address regional challenges, such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, terrorism and piracy."<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002FQJT3Q&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The Global Hawk is capable of providing government and military decision makers near real-time, high-altitude, long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance imagery that can support a full spectrum of operations. Flying above ordinary commercial traffic, the aircraft can survey large geographic areas with pinpoint accuracy, without impacting civilian aircraft routes. The imagery provides the most current information available during contingency or crisis situations.<br />
<br />
"This is a technology that saves lives," said Lt. Col. Brandon Baker, the Air Combat Command Det. 3 commander. "The RQ-4 has been used in contingency operations and humanitarian missions before. During wildfires in California, the Global Hawk provided firefighters with a near real-time view of the crisis and helped firefighters and rescue personnel direct their efforts."<br />
<br />
In January, the Global Hawk also provided imagery to coordinators of the international disaster relief and humanitarian mission in Haiti's earthquake.<br />
<br />
"Basing the RQ-4 at Andersen will support ongoing regional partnerships and reaffirm to U.S. friends, allies and partner nations of our commitment to continue modernization efforts and force structure beddown to support maintaining peace and stability in the region," General North said.<br />
<br />
So far, one of three planned Global Hawks has arrived here. The remaining two are scheduled to arrive later this year and at the beginning of 2011. Local crews will launch and land the aircraft from here, while crews at Beale AFB, Calif., will control the bulk of the mission, once out of the local area.<br />
<br />
"We'll be flying missions in support of U.S. Pacific Command priorities," Colonel Baker said. "We also intend to share with our allies information pertaining to common regional challenges like humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and piracy."<br />
<br />
The Global Hawk has flown more than 45,000 hours worldwide since becoming operational in 1995. The remotely piloted aircraft is flown using a variety of communications protocols, complete with built-in safety measures in the event that communication between the mission control and the aircraft is lost.<br />
<br />
In the event that all communication with the aircraft is lost or it encounters an in-flight emergency, the Global Hawk is programmed to continue its flight to its original destination or return to its point of origin and land. During this time, the pilot may be able to reestablish a link to the aircraft. If that is impossible, the Global Hawk is capable of landing on its own.<br />
<br />
"The aircraft is flown by fully qualified, certified U.S. Air Force pilots -- a fact which contributes to the RQ-4's unparalleled safety record," Colonel Baker said. "The RQ-4 negotiates pre-programmed flight plans and the pilots communicate with air traffic controllers in a similar manner as pilots in manned aircraft."adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-15568965161409711412010-09-26T15:08:00.000+08:002010-09-26T15:08:21.971+08:00Su-27 Flanker - One of 20th Century's Best Combat AircraftRussia's Su-27 frontline fighter was declared one of the best combat aircraft of the 20th century according to an online poll by Flight International, a global aerospace weekly published in the UK.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7w8yoHapI/AAAAAAAAAj0/cP8JbkebEtA/s1600/su27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7w8yoHapI/AAAAAAAAAj0/cP8JbkebEtA/s400/su27.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-15685805689915143292010-09-26T15:03:00.002+08:002010-09-26T15:09:33.868+08:00USA to Sell 18 F-16IQ Block 52 Fighters to Iraq<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on September 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq of 18 F-16IQ Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services.The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $4.2 billion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002I0J4VQ&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>-- 18 F-16IQ aircraft,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 24 F100-PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 36 LAU-129/A Common Rail Launchers,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">- -24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 19 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 200 AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder Missiles,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 150 AIM-7M-F1/H SPARROW Missiles,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 50 AGM-65D/G/H/K MAVERICK Air to Ground Missiles,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 200 GBU-12 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (500 pound),</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 50 GBU-10 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 50 GBU-24 PAVEWAY III Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 22 Advanced Countermeasures Electronic Systems (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver),</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<br />
-- 20 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), (Standard Positioning Service (SPS) commercial code only),</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 20 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 4 F-9120 Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems (AARS) or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE),</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS);</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-- 20 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also included : site survey, support equipment, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The estimated cost is $4.2 billion.</div></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-8877297873898869412010-09-26T15:00:00.000+08:002010-09-26T15:00:39.877+08:00Russia Delivers Three Mi-35M Hind Helicopters to Indonesia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7vU9dZpsI/AAAAAAAAAjw/L6K5sunKAQ8/s1600/mi-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7vU9dZpsI/AAAAAAAAAjw/L6K5sunKAQ8/s400/mi-35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Russia has delivered three Mi-35M Hind assault helicopters to Indonesia, a military source said on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Russia signed an agreement with Indonesia in September 2007 to provide a $1 billion credit line to the Southeast Asian country for Russian weapons purchases. Indonesia planned to buy ten Mi-17 transport helicopters, five Mi-35Ms, six Sukhoi fighters and two Kilo-class submarines financed by the credit.<br />
<br />
Jakarta became one of Russia's major arms customers in 1999 when the United States tightened an embargo on arms sales to the country over alleged human rights violations.<br />
<br />
Washington has since lifted the ban, but Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic country, continues to turn to Russia for its military hardware imports.<br />
<br />
Moscow has already delivered three Su-27SKM fighters to Indonesia as the final part of an August 2007 $300 million deal for six of the Sukhoi fighters.<br />
<br />
The agreement followed a 2003 deal on the purchase of four fighter jets by Indonesia from Russia.<br />
<br />
The planes will take part in a military parade dedicated to Indonesian Armed Forces Day on October 5.<br />
<br />
The Mi-35M is an export version of the Mi-24 Hind that was used extensively in Afghanistan. The Mi-24/35 can be used for transportation, assault and medical evacuation tasks.<br />
<br />
Russia has also delivered Mi-35Ms helicopters to Venezuela and Brazil.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-4926887841255006832010-09-26T14:55:00.001+08:002010-09-26T14:57:09.835+08:00Boeing Completes Production of 1st RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet with Provisions for Future Electronic Attack Capability<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7uh8eaZMI/AAAAAAAAAjs/WXObVLcnaV4/s1600/fa-18f-super-hornet-australia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJ7uh8eaZMI/AAAAAAAAAjs/WXObVLcnaV4/s400/fa-18f-super-hornet-australia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Boeing announced today that it has completed production of the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet that has the capability to be converted into an electronic attack aircraft.<br />
<br />
Boeing is pre-wiring the RAAF's second lot of 12 Super Hornets for potential electronic attack capability conversion during production at the company's facilities in St. Louis.<br />
<br />
"Incorporating the ability to introduce an electronic attack capability on 12 RAAF Super Hornets as they are produced in St. Louis provides maximum flexibility for our Air Force in the future," said RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing, which includes Super Hornet and F-111 aircraft. "Ultimately, if a decision to incorporate an electronic attack option is pursued, it will further expand the broad capability of an already formidable Super Hornet weapon system."<br />
<br />
<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003ZJMWS6&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the advanced Block II versions of the Super Hornet, all of which are equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Eleven Super Hornets are now operating at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. All 11 aircraft were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget. Boeing will deliver Australia's 24th Super Hornet in 2011.<br />
<br />
"Besides giving the RAAF the potential of introducing electronic attack capability in the future, producing these 12 aircraft with this configuration from the outset also reduces cost when compared with retrofitting at a later date," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet program manager for Boeing.<br />
<br />
The Boeing Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 430 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-6260143888885649782010-09-25T01:30:00.000+08:002010-09-25T01:30:30.343+08:00No Proof Iran Building Nuclear Weapons - Lavrov<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=widgetsamazon-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B002M3SOBU&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>There is no proof that Iran is working toward the creation of nuclear weapons, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.<br />
<br />
However in order for UN sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic to be lifted, Iran must prove its nuclear program has a 100% peaceful character, Lavrov told the U.S. PBS TV channel.<br />
<br />
Any attack on Iran would have “negative” consequences for the region, he warned.<br />
<br />
Russia had voted in favor of the UN sanctions against Iran in order to demonstrate that it would not stand for any violation of the nonproliferation regime, he went on. Lavrov also urged Iran to comply fully with the demands of the International Atomic Energy Agency.<br />
<br />
International pressure on Iran increased in early February when Tehran announced it had begun enriching uranium to 20 percent in lieu of an agreement on an exchange that would provide it with fuel for a research reactor.adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-40434371394181806862010-09-24T14:30:00.006+08:002010-09-25T01:57:08.655+08:00MiG : Between Past and Future<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="90" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=flyings0f-20&o=1&p=48&l=ur1&category=wireless&banner=0TJY74H4VE9W4MDG6J82&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="600"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJxFaEIHq6I/AAAAAAAAAjk/z6VEXjdrxx8/s1600/mig+past+future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJxFaEIHq6I/AAAAAAAAAjk/z6VEXjdrxx8/s640/mig+past+future.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6505483923502884691.post-63944168628581730772010-09-24T14:27:00.001+08:002010-09-24T14:31:12.190+08:00Israel Reveals Panther Tiltrotor UAV<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJxFnmIzWSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/EzJYmelD1tY/s1600/Panther-iai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_fI1By0fFB5s/TJxFnmIzWSI/AAAAAAAAAjo/EzJYmelD1tY/s400/Panther-iai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Israel’s new Panther vertical takeoff and landing unmanned tiltrotor aircraft is one of the latest products emerging from the classified projects section of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">The UAV was developed by IAI’s Malat division, which has been looking at new designs to fill some of the operational gaps between the company’s largest, longest-range Heron TP UAV — now in operation with the Israeli Air Force — and its smallest 0.5-kg. (1.1-lb.) Mosquito UAV with a 30-40 min. flight time.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">“In between we have something very new — a [design that] can take off and land on grass, ice or desert,” says Tommy Silberring, general manager of Malat’s military aircraft group. “The idea is to take off and land without a parachute or crash cushion.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">The principal features of the aircraft are tiltrotor engines that allow pinpoint takeoffs and landings or, if desired, conventional landing and takeoff operations. It also has automatic navigation to targets of interest and day/night cameras.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">An intriguing option is the Panther’s ability to hover or land quietly in enemy territory, conduct surveillance like a ground sensor and then take off again. It also could be operated from ships that need a tactical UAV.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">“It is all-electric and we are looking at higher-technology materials and power generation,” says Israel Shemer, assistant general manager for military projects. “We’re minimizing the noise and you will not hear it at its mission altitude.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">The Panther’s wingspan can vary from 2-8 meters (4.5-17.5 ft.) depending on the required mission endurance and the number of motors used. The current six-meter version has two electric motors and fuel cells that provide a 60-km. range and a top speed of 70 kt. It can carry an 8-kg. payload at an altitude of 10,000 ft. for up to 6 hr. It has a two-man, ground-based flight crew and can be assembled and operated in the field.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">“We want to replace manned aircraft so we need to make all the mission and maintenance systems automatic so that it only requires one or two people for the whole mission,” Shemer says. “IAI has today a full capability for integrating intelligence gathering, sensors and the platform.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">That includes the fusion of intelligence, sensor use and exploitation of data. We are closing the loop and we are the main intelligence provider for the [Israel Defense Forces].</div><div style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 2px;">“We can provide a full sensor suite,” Shemer continues. “Users can ask for the vehicle to identify particular types of target, to get data to specific organizations and to provide analyses of certain data. We can put it all together with this vehicle.”</div>adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17480090259341193866noreply@blogger.com0